Pennsylvania’s Innovation Network
Get Involved
Overview
Innovation in Pennsylvania is built through collaboration. Ben Franklin Technology Partners supports startups and established manufacturers while working alongside investors, mentors, universities, corporations, community organizations, and policymakers to drive measurable economic impact and support company growth across the Commonwealth.
Whether you are building a company, shaping policy, investing capital, or supporting the next generation of innovators, there is a role for you in Pennsylvania’s innovation network. Select the path below that best describes you to learn how you can get involved.
I’m a Startup Founders
You are developing an early-stage technology company and need capital, expertise, and strategic connections to move forward.
We provide early-stage and growth capital, hands-on business and technical expertise, and access to a statewide network designed to help founders move from concept to market. If you are developing an innovative product or service in Pennsylvania, we are here to help you gain traction and scale.
Explore funding and support for startups
I’m an Established Manufacturer Manufacturers
You are an existing Pennsylvania manufacturer focused on growth, modernization, or competitiveness.
We provide funding to manufacturers to implement new technologies, improve processes, expand markets, and strengthen operations. Our support helps established companies adapt, innovate, and remain competitive in an evolving global economy.
Explore support for manufacturers
I’m an Investor Investors
You are looking for high-growth Pennsylvania-based companies with strong fundamentals and thoughtful early-stage validation. We provide a pipeline of early-stage companies that have been screened, supported, and strengthened through our investment and advisory model. Through a coordinated statewide network, we offer visibility into opportunities across regions, sectors, and stages of growth.
Ben Franklin investments are designed to help de-risk opportunities before follow-on capital is deployed. We collaborate with angel groups, venture capital firms, and corporate investors to share diligence insights, co-invest strategically, and position companies for scale.
What investors gain:
With more than four decades of early-stage investing across technology sectors, we serve as a trusted partner in building Pennsylvania’s innovation pipeline. Opportunities span sectors including life sciences, robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, data analytics and more.
Connect with us to explore co-investment opportunities
I’m a Strategic Partner Organizations
You represent a corporation, university, research institution, nonprofit, or economic development organization committed to strengthening innovation.
We collaborate with strategic partners to expand programming, support industry-specific initiatives, align workforce and research assets, and strengthen industry collaboration while accelerating the adoption of new technologies. Our partnerships extend across sectors and regions, reinforcing a coordinated statewide approach to economic growth.
Partner with us to advance innovation across Pennsylvania
I’m a Policymaker Government & Policy
You are focused on strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy and advancing innovation-driven job growth.
Ben Franklin operates as a public-private partnership with a proven record of measurable economic impact, including a demonstrated return on public investment. We work closely with state and regional leaders to align investment, entrepreneurship, manufacturing competitiveness, and workforce priorities with broader economic development goals.
Explore our statewide impact and results
I’m a Mentor Mentors
You are an experienced executive, founder, or subject matter expert interested in guiding growing companies.
Our mentors work directly with founders and leadership teams to provide strategic insight, industry expertise, operational guidance, and candid feedback. By sharing real-world experience, mentors help entrepreneurs navigate risk, strengthen decision-making, and accelerate responsible growth.
Find your local Ben Franklin partner to become a mentor within our network
I’m an Educator Educators
You work in K–12, higher education, or workforce development and want to connect students to innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world industry experience.
Across our regional partners, Ben Franklin supports youth entrepreneurship initiatives, startup exposure programs, and connections between students and high-growth companies. We collaborate with educators to strengthen talent pipelines, expand experiential learning, and introduce the next generation to technology-driven careers.
I’m a Student Students
You are exploring entrepreneurship, technology careers, or opportunities to engage with high-growth companies.
Our statewide network includes innovative startups and advanced manufacturers that provide internships, mentorships, experiential learning, and exposure to emerging industries. We help connect talent to opportunity and support you as you begin building your path in innovation.
Find your local Ben Franklin partner to discover ways to engage and build for your future
